Question

What are the steps involved in extraction of moderately reactive metals from their sulphide ores?
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Answer 1

Sulphide ores of moderately reactive metals are extracted from their ores by two steps:
Step 1: Sulphide ores are first heated in the presence of oxygen in order to obtain the respective metal oxide. This process is known as roasting.
Example:
$\text{ZnS(s)}+{\text{O}}_2\text{(g)}\to \text{ZnO(s)}+{\text{SO}}_2\text{(g)}$
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Step 2: The metal oxides obtained are then reduced to produce the metal. Reducing agents such as $C$, $C{O}_2$, and $H_2$ are used during this process.
Example:
$\text{ZnO(s)}+\text{C(s)}\to \text{Zn(s)}+{\text{CO}}_2\text{(g)}$
[1 Mark]